Showing papers on "Electricity generation published in 1979"

Generating electricity from coal in situ

Abstract: The system of the invention comprises a two well system of gasifying coal in situ wherein the generated gas stream is directed to a gas separator, which, in turn separates hydrogen and carbon monoxide into separate streams. Hydrogen is directed to one type of fuel cell and carbon dioxide is directed to another with the resultant generation of electricity. The method of the invention comprises establishing two wells into an underground coal deposit with a reaction zone in fluid communication with the wells. Coal is gasified both in oxidizing and reducing environments, with the produced gas stream separated into its component parts. Combustible gases are directed to fuel cells with the resultant generation of electricity.

Stability of a Hydraulic Turbine Generating Unit Controlled by P.I.D. Governor

Abstract: The effect of derivative gain and other governor parameters on the stability boundaries of a hydraulic turbine generating unit supplying an isolated load is investigated. Root locus method is used for analysis of the effect of governor parameters on the dynamic behavior of the hydroelectric power system. A general guide for optimum adjustment of derivative gain and other parameters is provided.

Underwater power generator

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating electrical power by disposing a plurality of power producing modules in a substantially constant velocity ocean current and mechanically coupling the output of the modules to drive a single electrical generator.

Compressed air energy storage system

Abstract: An internal combustion reciprocating engine is operable as a compressor during slack demand periods utilizing excess power from a power grid to charge air into an air storage reservoir and as an expander during peak demand periods to feed power into the power grid utilizing air obtained from the air storage reservoir together with combustible fuel. Preferably the internal combustion reciprocating engine is operated at high pressure and a low pressure turbine and compressor are also employed for air compression and power generation.

Nuclear fuel management

Abstract: This well-written book describes how the basic engineering principles of nuclear fuel management are put into practice. It includes investigations of reactor physics, thermal/hydraulic analysis, material behavior, structural analysis, and technical economics, in a coordinated and integrated way which leads to an efficient fuel management design meeting a set of specifications. Although it is based on course material first used in the 1970's, the book provides an up-to-date presentation of the current ideas, concepts and techniques in the field. The book is divided into four parts. Part I is made up of the first three chapters: "Nuclear Power Plant Systems and Components," "The Nuclear Fuel Cycle," and "Reactor Design and Fuel Loading Requirements." In these chapters the activities and systems involved in generating electricity from nuclear energy are outlined, and the variables involved in the process of nuclear design and fuel management are defined. Part I forms the basis for the quantitative analysis made in the other parts of the book. Part II contains four chapters covering the nuclear analysis aspects of nuclear fuel management. These chapters are: "Analytical Models for Nuclear Analysis," "Reactivity Control," "Evaluation of Reactor Power Distribution" and "Fuel Depletion Analysis." In these the author describes the usual approximations made in settingup nuclear models for fuel management, along with their limitations. The first chapter of this part is primarily concerned with the interaction of spatial and energy effects in evaluating neutron reaction rates. The other three chapters are on the use of region-averaged macroscopic crosssections or group constants in solving problems of reactivity control and analysis, and fuel-depletion analysis. Part III is composed of these chapters: "Nuclear Fuel Design and Operating Constraints," "Fuel Rod Thermal Design," and "Reactor Thermal-Hydraulic. Analysis." The first chapter describes the material properties required in evaluating fuel behavior, and outlines the selection basis of fuel design specifications and operating boundaries which ensure minimum fuel failure. The second chapter studies the thermal performance of individual fuel rods. The third chapter deals with the thermal and hydraulic analysis of the reactor and its integration with nuclear performance. Finally, Part IV is made up of these chapters: "Nuclear Power Economics," "In-Core Fuel Management" and "Plutonium Utilization in Power Reactors." The first chapter provides the fundamental principles for capital and fuel cost evaluation; the second presents a qualitative study of the fuel cycle variables and has a description of various fuel arrangement techniques which are presently used, and the final chapter has a discussion on the conversion breeding, and resource conservation with reference to the utilization of the by-product plutonium produced in LWR. Actually, the book describes the physical processes of a typical model, rather than particular models themselves. However by appreciating the simplifications made in deriving the results of the book, one can use these results as a basis for studying particular complex situations. The book is primarily appropriate for senior students. The professional fuel management engineer will also find it very useful in recalling the basics which are necessary for exercising sound engineering judgement.

Solar-wind energy conversion system

Abstract: A combined solar-wind energy conversion system in which the combined effects of solar and wind energy are utilized in raising water from a lower to an upper water storage tank to increase its potential energy for generation of electricity. Incoming solar energy heats water to form steam which is temporarily stored. The stored steam is vented to one of first and second steam storage tanks from which it is coupled to first and second water pumping tanks. When the water enters one of the water pumping tanks, it forces the water temporarily stored therein to flow upwards the first steam storage tank. As soon as the water pumping tank is emptied, the steam condenses forming a partial vacuum in the tank. The vacuum causes water to be drawn from the lower water storage tank into the corresponding water pumping tank and the process repeated. The second water pumping tank is filled while the first water storage tank is emptied. Water flowing from the first water storage tank turns an electrical generator. Wind energy is also used to raise water from the second water storage tank to the first water storage tank to increase the available energy. When excess electrical energy is available, it is used to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen which are stored for later burning during periods when insufficient wind and solar energy are available.

Electrical power generating system

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is disclosed which utilizes as a source of energy the otherwise wasted energy expended by motor vehicles moving along a roadway The system includes a vibrational transducer which is mounted in the roadway and which is constructed for producing electrical energy directly from the vibrational energy imparted to the transducer from the motor vehicles passing thereacross The electrical energy thus produced may be used to charge a storage battery for powering various devices, such as traffic signals, warning devices, and the like

Electricity generation from jet-stream winds

Abstract: The feasibility of generating electricity from jet-stream winds has been investigated. Analysis of published meteorological data indicates that annual average power densities approaching 20 kW/m2 are available in the jet-stream altitudes over the complete west-east extent of Australia at a latitude of about 30° S. Computer-based optimization studies indicate that a 100 MW power station based on tethered aerodynamic generating platforms located at a jet-stream altitude would generate electricity at capital and operating costs that are competitive with other methods of electricity generation. The design of the tethered aerodynamic generating platform requires a high lift-to-weight ratio platform housing high power-to-weight ratio diffuser-augmented wind turbines and tethered by a high strength-to-weight ratio cable. Key design parameters include the turbine power coefficient and power-drag coefficient, the rated speed, and the stall speed. The required turbine area is determined primarily by the power coefficient and the rated speed. The cable weight depends directly on the drag associated with the maximum (rated) power generation which follows from the choice of rated speed. The wing area of the aerodynamic platform is fixed usually by the stall speed.

Utilization of solar energy

Abstract: Solar energy is utilized to convert water into steam for use in driving a turbine which, in turn, is used to generate electricity. At the same time air in a solar panel is utilized to drive another turbine which in turn generates electricity. The water recovered by condensation of the steam is permitted to drop from the elevation at which it is accumulated and that water is used to drive another turbine which in turn generates further electricity.

Electric power generation equipment incorporating bulb turbine-generator

Abstract: A hydroelectric power generator having a bulb turbine generator housed in a bulb shaped inner casing. The turbine runner of the generator is connected to a main shaft of the electric power generator. The outer casing is coupled to the inner casing by stay vanes. A draft tube is coupled to the downstream end of the outer casing. A liftable gate is positioned to retain water in the open channel and the outer casing is fixedly secured to the gate and vertically movable with it.

Frequency Response Methods for Tuning Stabilizers to Damp out Tie-Line Power Oscillations: Theory and Field-Test Results

Abstract: During the past ten years a number of authors have put forward techniques for tuning power system stabilizers (PSS) in the literature. Some of these techniques have been tested in on-site applications and others have been evaluated using simulation techniques. This paper describes a theoretical basis, and supporting experimental evidence from tests performed at a power plant, for tuning power system stabilizers using frequency response techniques. By using the method described in this paper, the power system analyst is able to obtain an approximate measure of the amount of damping that can be expected from the stabilizer in damping out tie- line power oscillations. The tests were conducted on the inter- tie between the Alberta and British Columbia Hydro power pools. Test results indicated a direct correlation between the improvement in the electric power damping as observed by field tests and that predicted by theoretical means. Although the method suggested in this paper has general application to power system stabilization for local mode damping and inter- tie damping it was applied to the specific case where the tie- line power was used as a feedback signal to the stabilizer.

Aspects of molten fluorides as heat transfer agents for power generation

Abstract: 0 . 1 3 1 . INTRODUCTION 1 . i 2 . FLOW MEASUREMENTS 2 . 1 2 . 1 . I n t r o c i u c t i o n 2 . 1 2.2. Venturi flow meter 2.2 2.2.1. Special features 2.2 2.2.2. Description of equipment 2.3 2.2.2.1. The venturi 2.3 2.2.2.2. The control system 2.3 2.2.2.3. Safety 2.4 2.2.2.4. Instrumentation 2.5 2.2.3. Accuracy 2.5 2.3. Thermal flow measurement 2.6 2.3.1. Introciuctory remarks • 2.6 2.3.2. Description of the methocJ 2.6 2.3.3. Description of the equipment 2.8 2.3.3.1. Probe 2.8 2 . 3 . 3 . 2 . E l e c t r o n i c o u t p u t ac i jus tment 2 . 8 2 . 3 . 4 . Accuracy 2 . 9 2.4. Transit time measurement 2.11 2.4.1. Introciuctory remarks 2.11 2.4.2. Description of the methoci 2.12 2.4.3. Description of equipment 2.14 2.4.4. Accuracy 2.16 2.5. Test program for flow measurements 2.18 2.6. Experimental results 2.19 2.7. Conclusions 2.19 3. TURBULENT HEAT AND MOMENTUM TRANSFER 3.1 3.

Method for deep shaft pumpback energy generation

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for converting the potential energy stored in an upper reservoir of water into electrical energy, whereby, during periods of high energy demand, water is introduced from the upper reservoir into an underground salt dome by way of an underground shaft which connects the upper reservoir with the underground salt dome. Hydroelectric generators which are located along the shaft convert the kinetic energy of the falling water into electrical energy to meet periodic high energy demands. The water empties into the underground salt dome and dissolves a cavity in the same to produce a large underground reservoir. During periods of electrical energy surplus, electric pumps are utilized to pump the water back to the surface so that the process may be repeated.

System for generating electrical energy utilizing combined water power and combustible fuel sources

Abstract: A system for generating electrical energy which combines water power and combustible fuel in a manner to utilize, according to varying conditions, the best combination of energy sources for maximum economy of electrical generation, including an elevated body of water having connection to a hydraulic generating means positioned at a lower elevation, the water flowing from the body of water to the hydro-electric generating means through a penstock, a fuel powered gas turbine generator adapted to use combustible fuel and compressed air as a means of generating electricity, a hydraulic air compressor means adjacent to the body of water, a penstock having a water inlet connected to the body of water and having a water outlet, the hydraulic head of which is below the water inlet, and an air outlet connected to the gas turbine generator and means to selectably divert the water flow to the hydro-electric generator and/or the hydraulic air compressor so that electricity may be generated selectably utilizing the energy source of water power and combustible fuel according to parameters of availability and economics.

Electrogenerative and Voltameiotic Processes

Abstract: Electrogenerative processes are explained and reviewed and compared with conventional electrochemical and heterogeneous catalytic processes. These processes exploit favorable reaction thermodynamics to recover byproduct electric energy while a useful chemical is produced. Factors and considerations involved in the design and operation of electrogenerative reactors are also discussed. Electrochemical operation often is extended to previously unexplored electrochemical potential regions and selectivity may be altered. Ready control of reaction rate with the removal of energy, in a useful form, and creation of favorable reaction conditions make the electrogenerative mode attractive for some highly exothermic reactions. Related voltameiotic processes for endothermic changes also are defined and their advantages explained and illustrated. Of the vast amounts of energy consumed in the world today, the major portion by far is obtained from the chemical reactions associated with the thermal combustion of fuels. The production of electrical energy through thermal combustion is restricted by Carnot cycle factors which limit conversion efficiencies to about 40% at a central power generation site. Recognition of the inherently greater efficiency of direct electrical energy generation from electrochemical reaction in fuel cells by Ostwald (94) and others (IO, 55, 63) just around the turn of the century did not deter the proliferation of mechanical devices as the principal means for electrical energy generation. With the end of the plentiful supply of convenient liquid fossil fuels in sight and the price changes initiated by the events of 1973, fuel cell electrical energy generation with its attendant problems is being actively reexamined with the probability of more widespread usage in the next few decades.

Solar powered turbine system

Abstract: A turbine system including a turbine rotatably driven by solar-heated air for driving a load such as an electrical power generator or the like.

Energy Analysis of the Solar Power Satellite

Abstract: The energy requirements to build and operate the proposed Solar Power Satellite are evaluated and compared with the energy it produces. Because the technology is so speculative, uncertainty is explicitly accounted for. For a proposed 10-gigawatt satellite system, the energy ratio, defined as the electrical energy produced divided by the primary nonrenewable energy required over the lifetime of the system, is of order 2, where a ratio of 1 indicates the energy breakeven point. This is significantly below the energy ratio of today's electricity technologies such as light-water nuclear or coal-fired electric plants.

Highway pressure-responsive means for generating electricity by vehicles

Abstract: An energy conservation and highway safety apparatus for supplying supplemental or emergency electrical power caused by passage of vehicles over the apparatus comprising a plurality of elongated conduits having a plurality of pressure responsive pumping elements mounted therein. The conduits are connected through an accummulator to an air motor which drives a generator.

Dynamic Stability Improvvement at Monticello Station-Analytical Study and Field Tests

Abstract: Turbine-generator Units #1 and #2 at the Texas Utilities Monticello Station were found to be dynamically unstable when operating near full load and connected to the power system by a single transmission line. Power system stabilizers (PSS) were applied to the excitation systems to provide stable operation under these conditions. Suitable settings for the PSS were predetermined analytically by frequency response and root locus analysis of a single machine-infinite bus configuration. A 3rd order generator model is shown to be adequate for this type of analysis. Dynamic performance measured in field tests is in close agreement with calculated performance.

Ocean thermal energy conversion system

Abstract: A power generation system and method of operation for generating electricity by utilizing temperature differences inherently present in the ocean between water near the surface and water from the ocean's depths. A pump provides relatively warm, surface ocean water to a flash evaporator where a portion of the water is flashed into steam. The steam is expanded through a subatmospheric pressure range turbine which exhausts into a condensing enclosure. The steam exhausting into the enclosure is condensed by relatively cold ocean water pumped thereinto. The turbine drives a generator and thus produces the electricity. The turbine speed and generator output are controlled by selectively introducing atmospheric air and relatively warm water into the exhausted motive steam flow. Such selective introduction into the exhausted steam flow of air and/or relatively warm water increases the absolute pressure at the turbine's exhaust end and thus reduces steam flow through the turbine. Adjusting regulating valves for the air and warm water flows in response to changes in turbine speed and/or generator load provides means for regulating the speed of the turbine and generating load.

Economic modeling of electricity production from hot dry rock geothermal reservoirs: methodology and analyses. Final report

Abstract: An analytical methodology is developed for assessing alternative modes of generating electricity from hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal energy sources. The methodology is used in sensitivity analyses to explore relative system economics. The methodology used a computerized, intertemporal optimization model to determine the profit-maximizing design and management of a unified HDR electric power plant with a given set of geologic, engineering, and financial conditions. By iterating this model on price, a levelized busbar cost of electricity is established. By varying the conditions of development, the sensitivity of both optimal management and busbar cost to these conditions are explored. A plausible set of reference case parameters is established at the outset of the sensitivity analyses. This reference case links a multiple-fracture reservoir system to an organic, binary-fluid conversion cycle. A levelized busbar cost of 43.2 mills/kWh ($1978) was determined for the reference case, which had an assumed geothermal gradient of 40/sup 0/C/km, a design well-flow rate of 75 kg/s, an effective heat transfer area per pair of wells of 1.7 x 10/sup 6/ m/sup 2/, and plant design temperature of 160/sup 0/C. Variations in the presumed geothermal gradient, size of the reservoir, drilling costs, real rates of return, and other systemmore » parameters yield minimum busbar costs between -40% and +76% of the reference case busbar cost.« less

Solar hot water generator

Abstract: A solar hot water generating system is disclosed which comprises a vertically pivotable heat exchanger automatically pivotable by means of a timer-actuated electric motor. The heat exchanger is fluidly connected to an insulated storage tank which retains the thermal values of the heated fluid. The system is adapted to provide hot water for domestic and industrial uses, such as heating, air conditioning, and the generation of electricity by operation of a turbine.

Metallurgical problems and opportunities in coal-fired steam power plants

Abstract: External constraints on the generation of electricity in steam power plants that determine metallurgical research and development include 1) the source of fuel, 2) environmental controls, 3) the economy of scale, 4) efficiency of energy conversion, and 5) reliability of the power generating equipment. These are reviewed in the current time frame. Economic and political factors dictate that coal and nuclear fission are the major fuels for generation of electricity until the end of the century. Environmental constraints on SO2 emission dominate a great deal of current materials research and development. Only a small percentage of available coal is low enough in sulfur to meet new source standards. Conversion of coal to a clean gaseous, liquid, or solid fuel is replete with difficult metallurgical problems, chiefly in high temperature corrosion. To compete with stack gas desulfurization it is necessary to burn the clean converted coal in more thermally efficient combined cycles, which requires development of high temperature industrial gas turbines. The fabrication problems of advanced air or water cooling of metal hot components are traded off against the brittle design problems of ceramic components. Removal of sulfur in the combustion stage in fluidized beds containing an SO2 acceptor has many attractive features, but potential problems exist in hot corrosion of the in-bed tubes and erosioncorrosion-fouling of expander turbines. The economy of scale has increased power plant size to about 1200 MW, where further increases seem to have stalled because of metallurgical problems. Improvements in thermal efficiency from high steam temperatures and pressures also have stalled, and even retreated, because of metallurgical barriers. The main current effort in materials research and development is aimed at improved reliability rather than efficiency. Two metallurgical opportunities to improve reliability are described in detail: titanium low pressure turbine blades and large rotor forgings.

Operation of a 300-kV, 100-Hz, 30-kW average power pulser

Abstract: Applications for efficient and reliable pulse power systems with long lifetimes (>108shots) are foreseen for electron-beam generators, ion-beam accelerators, and lasers leading eventually to inertially confined fusion reactors. These systems will have to be capable of continuous operation for sustained periods without requiring major maintenance or repair. High operating efficiency will be required not only to minimize power consumption but also to avoid heat buildup and consequent damage to components. The system described in this paper represents an initial effort to develop an efficient energy-handling high-voltage pulser to study the problems of long-life components.

Gamma Thermometer Developments for Light Water Reactors

Abstract: Gamma thermometers depend upon the heating of a metal block by gamma rays (~90%) and high energy neutrons (~10%). The heat so generated is proportional to the specific power of the nearby fuel rods. Heat generated in the block of metal is permitted to escape to a sink only through a controlled heat path of closely held dimensions. The temperature drop along that heat path is directly proportional to heat rate (watts/gm) in the heater and therefore proportional to power, not neutron flux, in adjoining fuel rods. A thermocouple, or thermocouples, arranged to measure the temperature drop along the controlled heat path produces a signal proportional to this power. Usual material of construction is stainless steel. The heat rate in the stainless steel at full power ranges from 0.5 to 7.5 watts/gm. Temperature drops have been selected in the range from 15°C to 250°C at full power. Above 500°C the instruments remain reproducible but tend to become nonlinear with power as the radiation component of heat loss becomes significant. Gamma thermometers have been employed for power distribution monitoring in large heavy water moderated reactor cores for over 15 years. This experience has established the following advantages: signal proportional to local power, non-changing calibration, ruggedness, long service life.

Apparatus for utilizing tidal variation to generate electricity

Abstract: The need to utilize alternative power sources for generating electricity is answered by harnessing the power of the tides in oceans. A power unit consists of a float with an opening therethrough which permits the float to ascend and descend a fixed column mounted on the ocean floor, the float being responsive to the variation in tidal height. Force linking means connecting the column and float transmit the linear power to a suitable form for an electrical generating means mounted on the float. The types of force linking means include a gear rack and gear means; helical gear combination means, gear speed-multiplying means and piston means.

The use of high-energy accelerators in the nuclear fuel cycle

Abstract: Nuclear power is at present derived from the burning of 235U which constitutes about 0.7% of the natural uranium resource. A long-term supply of nuclear fuel for electrical power generation would require breeders to convert 238U, or 232Th, into fissile material. Accelerator breeders offer an alternative to the fast breeder reactor for this conversion.